Manny Pacquiao will return to the ring this summer, ending a retirement announced in September of 2021. Oscar De La Hoya is one of the many to weigh in on the controversial comeback.
The man in the opposite corner will be Mario Barrios, who is WBC World Champion at 147 pounds since being elevated from Interim status. Last time out, he kept hold of his belt with a split draw against Abel Ramos.
Announcing the fight officially, Pacquiao said:
“On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let’s make history!”
Should he beat 30-year-old Barrios, ‘PacMan’ will break his own record as the oldest welterweight world champion in the sport’s history.
Since retiring on a bruising loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, the Filipino fighting sensation has had a couple of exhibitions, the last of which saw fans identify a clear dip in athleticism. Pacquiao’s team attributed to this to a lack of proper preparation.
Speaking to the media at a recent event, De La Hoya – who was stopped by Pacquiao inside eight rounds before announcing his own retirement in 2008 – spoke positively of his former foe’s chances at doing just that.
“I wish him all the best. Can he do it? Absolutely. Manny Pacquiao is a legend. I think he can do it. It’s not gonna be easy, but I think he can do it.”
Whether or not Pacquiao can rediscover some form at this age remains to be seen, though what is not in doubt is the criticism levelled the way of the WBC for sanctioning him to challenge for a world title after four years out of the ring.
